John Ralston
What is it with the soft, clear voices of these young "solo" artists? John Ralston, Andy Davis, and so on…these guys are a pleasure to listen to, if for no other reason than their voices remind some older dogs of what their vocals once sounded like. That is, if those old dogs could do more than howl.
White Spiders 2008 Vagrant Records) is easy to listen to, though it may be a bit more than easy listening. Ralston hails from Lake Worth, Florida and brings some of the Sunshine State’s well, sunshine, to the north country, with help from band members Jeff Snow, Dan Bonebrake and Nick Eberhardt.
White Spiders, is folk music/rock ballad, for those unfamiliar with this performer. Background vocals lend a bit of mystery to this already mysterious love song. It may not be to everyone’s taste, but this style will attract a solid percentage of listeners.
"Second Hand Lovers" (Sorry Vampire 2007 Vagrant Records) is a stronger song, both in music construction and in the passion of Ralston’s voice. "Fragile" from the same CD provides a bit different feel. Check this group out in London, Sheffield, Glasgow, Liverpool, Portsmouth etc. in April.
Tags: indie music, independent music, music, John Ralston, indie
Griffin House
If the labels on Web sites are to be believed, this musical effort is rock, folk and punk. In the past that would have been an interesting combination at least, if not an impossible one.
But Griffin House certainly puts folk music on the table with "Better Than Love" (Flying Upside Down 20007 Nettwerk). This, dear friends, is an excellent folk ballad, even if it is very direct in telling the listeners that she will always be his girl. Good production helps this song. How can you miss with help from Sheryl Crow’s producer and musicians from Tom Petty’s band? The choice of working from Nashville, Tennessee will be a plus for House if this is the genre and style chosen for future work. Information from his Web site notes that he is an Ohio native and the Cincinnati influence can’t hurt.
Live To Be Free" from the same CD adds fuel to the country/folk fire. Where is the punk? Perhaps it would be in the conversations of the old-timers from Music City. They might wonder how this "punk" can put out such music. For those who doubt that House has made the correct music industry connections, try listening to "When The Time Is Right" from Flying Upside Down. Griffin House is on a massive tour in April and May.
Tags: Griffin House, indie, independent music, music, indie music
Four Year Strong
If this is hardcore, then it ain’t so bad. This listener has heard screamo/growl bands, especially the five-band lineup at 2 Cents Plain in downtown St. Louis. Not a big fan!
But Four Year Strong is slightly softer than hardcore. The boys can sing, for one thing. Then there is the youthful energy that brings to mind some of the better young bands of the current century. Four Year Strong is: Dan O’Connor – guitar, vocals; Alan Day – guitar, vocals; Joe Weiss – bass; Jake Massucco – drums; Josh Lyford – synth.
For sure, "Heroes Get Remembered" (Rise or Die Trying 2007 I Surrender) has a touch or two of growl in it, but for the most part it is a rather well constructed, melodic tune. "Bada Bing Wit’ A Pipe" from the same collection has the same rhythmic touch and a bit of screamo icing. But again, the guys in Four Year Strong have their hands and heads strongly in their music. Great guitar and drum work in "Bada Bing Wit’ A Pipe" folks! Want to listen for a long time? Bring your Red Bull!
Now, "Catastrophe" pulls back a bit on the joy stick, but just a bit. "Men Are From Mars" doesn’t. Check this out.
Tags: indie music, music, indie, independent music, Four Year Strong
De Capulet
Don’t look for anything new from this corner. De Capulet is, according to myspace.com, "resting in peace."
It’s been a couple of years since De Capulet fans and those with a general interest in indie music started blogging about the demise of this musical effort from Jakob Johnson and Benn Mendelsohn. But you can still hear some tunes on PureVolume. That site has "Help Me! Help Me!," "Love At High Speed" and two other tunes available. At one time, "Love At High Speed" was a top track for this duo that featured some unique vocal styling and billed itself as playing indie music you could dance to.
In addition, Johnson followed the De Capulet venture by singing and playing piano with three others in The Record Life. Johnson has tried to spread the word that he relocated to Hollywood, trying to get the music wheels turning full speed. As of October 2007, Johnson was writing and playing, waiting for the revolution to begin.
One fan wrote at lemecmusic.blogspot.com in July 2007 that De Capulet’s Mendelsohn and Johnson were two of the most talented musicians he/she had ever heard. That writer couldn’t believe they were unsigned. Figuring out just what is happening post-De Capulet is a bit like trying to solve a mystery with some misleading clues.
Good luck.
Tags: indie, music, independent music, indie music, De Capulet
We The Kings
Florida rock, from We The Kings.
This band has put together the self-titled CD that includes "Check Yes Juliet," a song that gives her the choice. Solid musicianship benefits from good production. The vocals are highlighted in just the right way with this tune. While, musically, the song isn’t overly complex, it does justice to the term indie rock or alternative rock.
As for "Skyway Avenue," enjoy the beginning guitar work. What a treat! Rhythmically, it’s not much different when compared to "Check Yes Juliet." But as time goes on, bands tend to find a way to express subtle differences in their songs. "Secret Valentine" is a love song of the same pace, though the break/bridge is interesting. Quite big show/stage show production. I listened closely to "Stay Young," not only for much needed advice on how to do it, but also for any major changes in approach or attack. I didn’t find major differences from the other tunes.
We The Kings are: Travis Clark – vocals/guitar; Hunter Thomsen – guitar/vocals; Drew Thomsen – bass; Danny Duncan – drums. With influences such as Red Bull (what else, considering the generation?), pigeons and soup/salad/breadsticks at Olive Garden, how can you go wrong?
Catch WTK in their home state, in Oklahoma, Arizona, California, Kentucky, Georgia and points between.
Tags: music, indie music, independent music, We The Kings, indie